2:36th Arty

• Vietnam War Service: The 2nd Battalion, 36th Artillery (2/36th Arty) was a key U.S. Army artillery unit that served in Vietnam, providing critical fire support for infantry and armored units. • Origin: The 36th Artillery Regiment traces its roots back to World War I, originally constituted in 1918 as the 36th Field Artillery. • Redesignation: Over its history, the unit has been redesignated several times, including as 36th Field Artillery Battalion and later as 2nd Battalion, 36th Artillery Regiment. • Firepower: During the Vietnam War, 2/36th Arty operated the M109 155mm self-propelled howitzer, known for its mobility and devastating firepower. • Support to 1st Infantry Division: The battalion was attached to the famed “Big Red One” (1st Infantry Division), supporting major operations in III Corps Tactical Zone. • Base of Operations: 2/36th Arty was headquartered at Lai Khe Base Camp, a major logistical and operational hub north of Saigon. • Tet Offensive: The unit played a pivotal role in repelling enemy assaults during the Tet Offensive of 1968, providing continuous artillery barrages. • Casualties and Valor: Members of 2/36th Arty received numerous awards for valor in combat, including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, reflecting the dangers faced by artillerymen. • Combined Operations: The battalion often worked closely with South Vietnamese Army (ARVN) units, coordinating fire missions to maximize battlefield effectiveness. • Legacy: After Vietnam, elements of the 36th Artillery were inactivated or reflagged, but the unit’s lineage and honors are preserved in the U.S. Army’s artillery regimental system.